We are in Earth's distant future. Inside the multi-levelled metropolis of Veniss, genetics and biotechnology are the dominant scientific disciplines, with artists creating life forms that serve for both manual labour and recreation.
Nicholas is one such artist. He works for the mysterious Quin, the most daring bio-artist in the city.
When Nicholas vanishes after visiting Quin to buy an engineered meerkat servant, his friend Shadrach begins to suspect foul play, particularly when Nicholas's sister Nicola goes missing as well. He then discovers there is more to the meerkats than meets the eye. He must venture beneath the city, into a place he fears, to solve the mystery. The under-levels are the realm of the poor, disenfranchised and disreputable, who eke out an existence as best they can. Monsters and mutants live here in an industrial nightmare, making Shadrach's trip a modern take on Dante's multi-faceted Hell, as he encounters the real Veniss and discovers the appalling extent to which "living art" has evolved.
The novel's three parts are told in the first, second and third persons; one for each of the three main characters, Nicholas, Nicola and Shadrach. This works extremely well and gives the story a unique and impressive construction, like different entry points into the life of the city itself. Part two works particularly well, resembling a noir thriller.
Will we live in a future where genetic experimentation becomes an art form? The author questions our endeavours in the development of technology and science, but with subtlety and much dark humour.
The idea of the poor being forced to live underground isn't new, but the author breathes life into it. Social commentary is not a major theme, but it slots nicely into the formula.
VanderMeer endows the city of Veniss with its own character, and blends technology and humanity into a thing both beautiful and grotesque.
If you like your science fiction a little different from the typical run of things, then Veniss Underground will more than satisfy. This is one of the genre's most original voices in full flight. It comes highly recommended.
